Page 34 of The Cannon
“I guess. Just don’t get your hopes up.”
“It’s a date then. The night of the party we’re going to paradise. Together.”
He can’t see me lift my eyes to the heavens and cross my fingers.
Chapter 9
Sawyer
Walking into the open front door of the Swift house, I step aside for the three workers passing. They carry boxes of string lights and lanterns out the door and into the garden.
“Hello!” I call to the sound of conversation coming from the kitchen.
“We’re in here,” Boone’s deep voice reaches to the entry.
I’m hit with the aroma of coffee and bacon and freshly baked bread. The memory of one of my foster moms floats past my eyes. She used to make bread every week.
As I enter the room it’s like a scene fromAmerican Family Gazette. All the Swifts are gathered, except for January and Charlotte and Bristol, who I know are having a spa day. The girls are getting the works done for tonight. Although how could Bristol improve on what she normally looks like?
The early morning sunlight streams through the tall glass windows.
“Hey,” Atticus says lifting his chin.
“Hi, everyone.” Taking a seat I put my cell on the table.
Lucinda comes over and gives me a peck on the cheek.
“Morning, Sawyer. Thank you for helping with the setup. Boone, pour Sawyer an orange juice.”
“Would you rather have coffee? We have that fresh too,” he says from behind the huge island.
“Have a muffin,” Brick says pushing a plate across the table.
“What can I get for you, son?” Boone asks. “Let me make you a plate of Grandma Birdie’s Tennessee grits and my special omelette. Do you like bacon?”
“Everything. I’ll take it all. Thank you.”
Rarely have I been waited on in life. It’s just a little uncomfortable, but the rareness of it wins me over. Think I’ll enjoy myself.
“You two were on fire at yesterday’s game,” Brick says. “I like it.”
Nonchalantly, Atticus responds. “Yeah, it was good.”
“According to your father and brother that’s the biggest understatement I’ve heard in a while,” Lucinda says. “Enjoy your good days, boys.”
It amuses me that she calls her sons boys. They tower over her. Not sure they mind it though. Boone places my breakfast in front of me. “Thanks. This looks great.”
Brick passes his empty one to his father and tells us his plan.
“The buzz is building. If things continue as they are, we need to start thinking about some dual endorsements. Not yet, but depending how the season goes, it could benefit you both.”
Atticus nods his head. I think he listens to his brother because it’s paid off in spades for him.
“Endorsements? Does anyone know who I am yet?”
There’s laughter all around. “You’ve trended on Twitter twice this week. They know you,” Atticus chuckles. He brings out his cell and scrolls till he finds what he’s looking for. He passes it to me.
“Gold. Pure gold.”
